Characterization

Comments (0)

Transcript of Characterization

Evaluating Direct and Indirect CharacterizationAnalyzing Character, Character Traits, and Conflict1. What is a character?

2. What are the different kinds of characters?

3. What is the difference between direct and indirect characterization?

4. What is the difference between internal and external conflict?

Essential QuestionsTimed, Pair, Share

thoughtswordsphysical appearancethe actions of the character what other characters say or think about a characterWhat you infer about the character based on these thingsLiterary Termsstock character: a character type used repeatedly, often a stereotype like the mad scientist of horror stories or the blonde airhead of teen moviesLiterary Termsdynamic character: a character who experiences a major change or comes to a major realization during the course of the story. (The realization may or may not change the character’s actions, but the character will never be able to see the world in the same way.)

Literary Terms

flat character: a one-dimensional character who has only one or two, easily defined character traits that do not change

round character: a two-dimensional character. He or she is fully developed. We usually know how they look, act, what they say, think, and what others think about them.

Literary Termscharacters: the people the story is about

protagonist: the main character

antagonist: a character (or sometimes a thing) in conflict with the protagonistLiterary Termsconflict: a struggle or problem in a story. Without a conflict there is no story or plot.Literary Termsdirect characterization: the narrator or a character in the story tells us what we need to know about the character

indirect characterization: we find out about the character through the thoughts, comments, or actions of other charactersLiterary Terms

static character: a character who does not undergo any changes during the storyLiterary TermsCharacters and Character Development1. Can you think of a protagonist from a tv show, movie, or book?

2. How about an antagonist?Characterization is the process by which the author reveals the personality of the characters.

There are two types of characterization:What is Characterization? Direct characterization is when the author TELLS the audience what the personality of the character is.

Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both at the game.”

The author is telling us that the boy is patient and the girl is quiet.Direct Characterization Indirect characterization is when the author SHOWS things that reveal the personality of the character.

There are FIVE different methods of indirect characterization:Indirect CharacterizationSpeech- What does the character say? How does the character speak?

Example: “Hey, we can have lots of fun at camp this summer! I love being outside!”

This shows us the character is upbeat and happy.Indirect CharacterizationThoughts- What is revealed through the character’s thoughts and feelings?

Example: I wish it would stop raining. I am tired of sitting inside!

This shows us the character is unhappy about the situation.Indirect CharacterizationEffect on Others- What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character?

Example: The boy glared at his sister as she ate his dessert.

This shows us that the character is upset about his sister’s behavior and inability to think of others.Indirect CharacterizationActions- What does the character do? How does the character behave?

Example: The girl rode the lawn mower through the house and into the garage.

This shows us the girl is not concerned with rules or safety.Indirect CharacterizationLooks- What does the character look like? How does the character dress?

Example: The little girl left the game with slumped shoulders and a frown on her face.

This shows us the little girl is not enjoying herself and is upset.Indirect CharacterizationRemember, the difference between direct characterization and indirect characterization is

Indirect characterizations are like CLUES about the characters. There is no mystery with direct characterization because the author gives us the information we need to know!The DifferenceActivating Prior KnowledgeWhat is a character?Activating PriorKnowledgeWhat are some different typesof characters?Activating Prior KnowledgeWhat is another name for the "good guy" in a story?

What about a "bad guy"?Character TraitsWords that describe the character's personality or appearance based on:Timed, Pair, ShareThink about one character you have read in class. Jot down some personality traits he or she has?Timed, Pair, ShareThink about your best friend. What types of character traits does he or she have?(Hint: Think of 2 words to describe your friend and then explain why you chose those words)Hint: Think of 2 words to describe this character's personality and then explain why you chose those words.Timed, Pair, ShareWhat are character traits?Literary TermsA conflict can be INTERNAL or EXTERNALINTERNAL: A struggle/problem INSIDE the character (Character vs. himself/herself)EXTERNAL: A struggle/problem between the character and someone or something OUTSIDE of himself/herself.(Character vs. Character, Character vs. Nature, Character vs. Society)INTERNAL CONFLICTCharacter vs. SelfUsually an emotional problem that needs to be overcome.External ConflictA struggle/problem between the character and someone or something.Examples:Character vs. CharacterCharacter vs. NatureCharacter vs. SocietySpeechThoughtsEffect on other charactersActionsLooksSTEALTELLING v. SHOWING!DIRECTINDIRECTDynamic CharacterTimed, Pair, ShareWhat is the difference between a flat and round character?Timed, Pair, ShareWhat is the difference between a static and dynamic character?What can we infer about Sponge Bob from this picture?What did the artist do to help us learn about his character?ProtagonistAntagonistTimed, Pair, ShareWhat is the difference between INTERNAL and EXTERNAL conflict?